Nigella Lawson’s ex sues former assistants

Tools

Television personalty Nigella Lawson arrives at Disney ABC Television's red carpet gala at the Langham Huntington Hotel and Spa on January 10, 2013 in Pasadena, California.

When it comes to audacity, TV chef Nigella Lawson’s now ex-husband Charles Saatchi may rival Michael Jackson’s former doctor, Conrad Murray, who was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in the star’s death.

How else to explain Saatchi’s bizarre statements during testimony he gave during his case against two former employees. Saatchi is suing his former assistants for allegedly misusing his money and running up a $1.1 million tab, according to the New York Daily News.

The two women claim it was actually hush money to keep them quiet about Lawson’s alleged drug addiction, something Saatchi says is preposterous. “I personally have absolutely no knowledge that Nigella has ever taken a drug,” he said under oath.

However, an email was read to the jury in which he calls his wife “Higella,” and says he actually believes his assistants’ accusations. Oops. He also claims that his infamous chokehold on Lawson’s neck was to “make her focus” and he was not “gripping, strangling or throttling,” despite the shocking photos that were released.

Got scoops or Bay Area celebrity gossip? Email scoop@sfexaminer.com

QUICK TAKES

“The Hunger Games: Catching Fire” is the highest-grossing Thanksgiving film release of all time.

“Fast & Furious” co-star Tyrese Gibson broke down in sobs when he arrived at the crash site of the late Paul Walker.